South Bend Police Department Press Release

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Police NEST Unit Nets Prostitutes on South Side

Thursday, November 10, 2005

InRe: South Bend Police arrest five on the near-southeast side Undercover sting exposes women suspected of prostitution

Undercover officers with the South Bend Police Department’s NEST unit (Neighborhood Enforcement Services Team) arrested five women on suspicion of prostitution during a “sting” late Monday evening, November 7, 2005.

Plainclothes officers in unmarked cars began their detail driving north on Michigan from Ewing Avenue shortly after 9:00 p.m. and within the passing hours encountered the women walking near businesses and street corners on Michigan as well as on St. Joseph street and side streets to the east. The incidents occurred in the 1900, 2000 and 2700 blocks of Michigan Street and the 200 block of East Indiana Avenue.

The first arrest happened at approximately 9:40 p.m. when the plainclothes officer was flagged down by a 44-year-old female who entered the passenger’s seat uninvited, and then engaged in discourse regarding sexual acts in exchange for money. Upon agreed terms, the officer proceeded to a predetermined location where other NEST officers were waiting and the woman was advised she was under arrest for prostitution. Because of prior prostitution convictions she was advised her booking charge would be a felony offense.

In other similar circumstances, the females encountered the officers in the unmarked cars, entered the vehicles uninvited and had similar exchanges and arrests. However, the arrest of two females, ages 31 and 33, played out differently when the officer was told to go to the older woman’s house for the transaction and enter the residence. Shortly thereafter, and after meeting some of the woman’s family members, the officer opened the door when the other NEST unit officers came to assist in the duo’s arrest.

All the suspects were transported to the St. Joseph County Jail by NEST unit officers and are awaiting charges from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office.